Walking Through Easter

Palm Sunday: Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

• On Palm Sunday, crowds of people shouted "Hosanna!" and laid palm branches before Him, recognizing Him as the Messiah (Matthew 21:1-11)
• Celebrate the truth of who Jesus is: the Son of God came to save His people and establish His kingdom! Spend time praising Him today!

Holy Monday: Jesus cleanses the temple

• On Holy Monday, Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. He drove out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice, consecrating the temple as a place of worship (Matthew 21:12-17)
• Today, think about your worship. Are there things that need to be cleared out of your life to be a temple that honors the Lord?

Holy Tuesday: Jesus teaches in the temple

• Holy Tuesday is when Jesus was engaged with the Pharisees and Sadducees concerning several subjects including marriage in heaven, paying taxes to Caesar, and the source of His authority. Spend time reading these teachings in Matthew 21:23—23:36; Mark 11:27—12:44; Luke 20:1—21:4
•  On this day, Jesus also discusses the widow’s donation (Mark 12; Luke 21), was approached by a number of God-fearing Greeks (John 12:20–36), and delivered the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24—25; Mark 13; Luke 21:5–36).

Holy (Spy) Wednesday: Judas betrays Jesus

• On Holy Wednesday (or Spy Wednesday), Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Read about it in Matthew 26:14-16.
• Take time today to reflect on our human tendency to turn away from God and pray for the Holy Spirit to keep our lives centered on Christ.

Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper 

• Commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with His disciples before His arrest. Jesus ate with his disciples, washed their feet, established the practice of communion Read it in Matthew 26:17-29 and John 13:1-20.
• This story reminds us of the importance of a life of humility, selflessness, and service. How can you practice these qualities with those around you today?

Good Friday: Jesus' crucifixion and death

• Good Friday marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Today we reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for the salvation of humanity.
• Jesus is arrested, tried, condemned, and crucified (Matthew 27:32-56). His death is the ultimate act of love and atonement for sin.
• Participate in a Good Friday service today and reflect on the immense sacrifice Jesus prayed for our sake. 

Holy Saturday: Jesus' body lies in the tomb, awaiting resurrection.

• Jesus' body lay in the tomb, and His followers were in mourning. It’s a time of reflection and waiting.
• Today, rest in the waiting. Reflect on how the disciples and Jesus’ followers must have felt on Holy Saturday, and relate it to our waiting for the return of Christ.

Easter Sunday: The resurrection of Jesus and the victory over death

• Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! This day is the most joyful day for believers, marking Christ's victory over sin and death.
• Jesus rises from the dead, appearing first to Mary Magdalene and later to His disciples (Matthew 28:1-10). His resurrection offers Christians hope of eternal life!
• Participate in an Easter Sunday service and celebrate the Risen Savior! He is Risen Indeed!!

Don’t let this Easter season pass you by, but focus your attention on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Happy Easter, Faith West Family!